Both bags arrived on 11-13-2012 and here is my mini review of both. Keep in mind that we will all use these differently so this review is based on my needs. A few photos are provided to show how the iPad mini fits in each.
The STM D7:
STM makes high quality bags and the D7 is no exception! The bag is very well made and is very light. The interior compartment is padded to protect the iPad mini. The mini fits nicely into the compartment and has extra room that would allow a Smart Cover or a thin case. The D7 also has a small front pouch to hold a cell phone and has a rear document pouch.
It comes with a removable shoulder strap and a removable wrist sling. The shoulder strap appears well made and sturdy but the wrist strap feels cheap and I do not think I would trust it. I suppose even if the wrist strap failed and the bag tumbled to the ground, the iPad mini would be fine because of the padded interior.
I ordered the STM D7 bag from eBags on eBay for $20 with free shipping.
Pros:
Quality construction
Padded interior
Pouch for phone and documents
Shoulder and wrist straps
Price ($20 with free shipping)
Cons:
Limited color choices
Wrist strap is cheap and flimsy
Looks like a purse (if you are a man)
Zipper closure
Photos:
D7 Overview
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D7 with iPad mini
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D7 with iPad mini inside and closed (small wallet in exterior pouch)
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D7 with document
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The Chrome Victor Bag:
The Chrome Victor bag is very well made. The quality of the bag is even better than the D7! The bag is lightweight and waterproof. Chrome Bags offers a no questions asked lifetime warranty on the bag and in my limited experience, their customer service is top notch and will go above and beyond to assist customers. The bag has a very smooth interior for the mini to rest in but the padding is very light. The bag also has an additional pouch for a cell phone, small wallet or mifi device. There is no document slot like found on the D7
The Victor Bag has a very nice and top quality shoulder strap. The strap is non-removable and has a high quality seat belt like clasp / buckle for an added sense of security. This strap and buckle could probably survive thermonuclear war in my opinion. As an added bonus the bag has daisy chain mounting loops for attaching carabineer clips or bike lights and has reflective strips for night visibility. This is a very nice addition for cyclist, motorcycle riders or pedestrians..
I ordered the Victor Bag directly from the manufacturer (Chrome Bags) for $85 with free shipping.
Pros:
Very well made! Top quality construction (better than the D7)
Pouch for cell phone, small wallet or a mifi device
Integrated bottle opener on the quick release buckle (sweet)
Waterproof main and cell phone compartments
Quick release buckle
Daisy Chain loops
Reflective straps
Does not look like a purse (if you are a man)
Heavy duty velcro closures
Cons:
Price ($85 with free shipping)
Less storage options than the D7 for documents
Heavy duty buckle makes it feel heavier than what it is
Only available in black (no color options)
Photos:
Victor Overview
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Victor with iPad mini
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Victor with iPad mini inside and closed
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Victor cell phone, wallet or mifi pouch
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Victor seat belt style clasp / buckle
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Both are very nice bags that will hold and protect the mini. Which you choose will depend on many different factors that suit your needs. If you cycle, ride a motorcycle or walk a lot and want the ability to bring the mini with you then the Chrome Victor bag is a no brainier. If you are a man and do not want something that looks like a purse, the Victor Bag wins out again.
As a daily cyclist I am keeping the Victor Bag and will return the D7.. But do not be fooled by this as it was a very hard decision. The D7 is a very nice bag and at a fraction of the Victor bag price, I went back and forth on which to keep!
The deciding factor for me was based on cycling carry-ability and not on the quality of the bags. I also, as a man, like the non purse look of the Victor bag.
They both rock so whichever you decide on I am sure you will be pleased!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask! I hope this little review of these 2 bags can help others who may be in a similar situation as I was..